Best Friends

All Things Are Possible
Stephanie Miller

Darn Good Job

I looked at Grant the other day and thought "wow, we have done a darn good job." You know, we are responsible for his actions, his attitude. I thought, we have done GREAT. Grant wears clothes, uses the bathroom at the appropriate time, uses utensils while eating, rides his bike, blows his nose, takes baths, you know..... all the important things that kids do..... right??

It is amazing to look at him, to watch him. It is crazy to think that he was once a helpless newborn. He is now an independent, opinionated, inquisitive little boy.

When I gaze into is giant blue eyes, I think about the time and energy that we have invested in him. Often, I can't believe that we have created a person..... a real, functioning person.

It is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks when raising children. Parents get so caught up on keeping rooms clean, brushing teeth, eating what is served, following directions the first time, etc, etc, etc.

Although these things are important, I believe that there are more important things that need to be taught while raising these little people.

See, I want Grant to keep his room clean, but more importantly I want him to learn why we need to take care of our environment. I encourage him to try new foods, but want him to feel the freedom to say that he has had enough to eat. I would like him to follow directions the first time that they are given, but want him learn the importance of using listening ears.

In the end, we are all parents, trying to navigate this thing called "parenthood." Some days are hard, some days are harder, and then there are (a few) easy days.

In the end, we have a job. To raise children, children of God, who will grow up to become respectful, hard-working, honest citizens. It is our job to mold and shape our children, as they will become leaders, educators, and one day - parents themselves.

I want to raise children who will make good decisions, when no one is looking. I want my children to show their peers empathy. I want my children to respect and take care of their environment. I want my children to be the best that they can be. I want my children to follow Christ.

At the end of the day, I could care less if Grant didn't like the pasta that I served. I do, however, care that he rocked Brooklyn's carseat while she was crying. I could care less if Grant didn't put his toys away the minute that I asked. I do, however, care that the put his plate in the sink after lunch. I could care less if he jumped around the house, threw a ball in the kitchen, and became impatient while waiting for Brad to play with him. I do, however, care that he helped me give Brooklyn a bath, asked to take his Bible to church, tasted broccoli at dinner, held my hand in the parking lot, put his pajamas in the dirty clothes hamper, and shared his toys with his baby sister.

As I gaze into Grant's big blue eyes, I think about all the things that he has learned, as well as the things that we have yet to teach him. I have enjoyed watching Grant make the transition into "big brother," I am excited to watch him turn into friend, teammate, leader, follower of Christ.

In the meantime, I will try my best to teach life lessons, instead of sweating the small stuff. I will try my best to focus on the big picture, instead of getting caught up on simple tasks. I will try my best to do a darn good job.

All Things Are Possible,

Stephanie Miller